1. Introduction
Many people may be at a crossroad wondering why some things are not going as planned and its common to look to God asking why, in these situations.
But many times, the ball is in our court, and discipline may be the missing part of the jigsaw.
On Sunday the minister told a compelling story of how in sixth form, he was given an opportunity to lead the junior pupils in lunchtime bible study. Though well-grounded in scriptures, he did not heedthe call because he loved playing football during his lunch break.
Shortly after, a friend who was just seven days in the Lord started teaching the juniors bible study. That was his wake-up call – and he dropped football and started teaching the younger boys the bible. Those times turned out to be the most rewarding times of his life – fruit of discipline.
He notes what God said to him – “I have called you for this, but I do not need you. If you will not take on this task I have prepared you for, I will find someone else.”
2. The importance of discipline to be effective representatives of God’s kingdom
God places us in various positions to make an impact.
A Jew called Mordecai refused to bow to a king’s official, Haman because of his faith in God. So,Haman plotted to not only destroy Mordecai but to wipe out the entire Jewish race in the kingdom.
God had chosen Esther, a Jew, above all other beautiful women in the kingdom as replacement for Queen Vashti, who had been banished.
Based on her position, she was in the king’s inner circle, having gone through all the training and preparation required to become Queen.
Esther had to make a choice to risk her life so that her people could be saved.
Esther 4
12 When Esther’s words were reported to Mordecai, 13 he sent back this answer: “Do not think that because you are in the king’s house you alone of all the Jews will escape.
14 For if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance for the Jews will arise from another place, but you and your father’s family will perish. And who knows but that you have come to your royal position for such a time as this?”
15 Then Esther sent this reply to Mordecai:
16 “Go, gather together all the Jews who are in Susa, and fast for me. Do not eat or drink for three days, night or day. I and my attendants will fast as you do. When this is done, I will go to the king, even though it is against the law. And if I perish, I perish.”
Discussion:
▪ What could have happened if Queen Esther had refused to approach the king?
▪ Examples of positions God places us in.
▪ What impact can we make in these positions?
▪ What happens when God positions us, but we do not obey what He asks us to do?
Discipline to do what Gpd has called us to do even if it is against our desires. Otherwise, God will find someone else. And we will lose out. And it will mean we are not fulfilling our purpose
3. How do we ensure we keep doing the things we need to do?
The Need for Self-Discipline
1 Corinthian 9
24 Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize.
25 Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last, but we do it to get a crown that will last forever.
26 Therefore I do not run like someone running aimlessly; I do not fight like a boxer beating the air.
27 No, I strike a blow to my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize.
4. Close
So, we see the importance of discipline as kingdom people.
▪ Research shows it took about 50 - 75 years for Noah to build the ark. God gave specific instructions, and He had a time limit attached to the completion of the ark for the rain to start
1 year of indiscipline, slacking on God’s timelines before His set time to release the floodrains on earth could have been devastating and affected His plan.
▪ Samuel gave Saul specific instructions in 1 Sam 13 to wait seven days for him in Gilgal when he would offer a burnt sacrifice. But Saul was under immense pressure because his men were unsettles so he decided not to wait any longer for Samuel, and offered the sacrifice himself to deliver Israel from the Phillistines.
▪ God would never have sent you if the power has not already been made available
▪ God is waiting for us to rise to the occasion trusting Him wholeheartedly - God does not set unattainable standards.
5. Homework
▪ Do some soul searching over the next one week.
▪ Review the bible verses and the story of Saul’s disobedience in 1 Sam 13:7 – 14. How logical it was to justify his actions, but then see what it cost him.
▪ You can watch the messages on discipline on Instagram (@GodiansAssembly), and YouTube (remember to subscribe).
AJ’s Corner @TheGodiansAssembly
This is insightful!